Parents can take FOUR extra weeks of unpaid leave from today

Parents are set to get four additional weeks unpaid leave under a new law that comes into effect from today.

Under the new legislation parents will see the amount of time they are allowed take increase from 18 to 22 working weeks.

And the good news is from September next year it will rise still further to 26 weeks.

Also in a further boost to parents the age limit of the child the law applies to has also increased from eight years of age to 12.

Parents are set to get four additional weeks unpaid leave under a new law that comes into effect from today Pic:Shutterstock

It is estimated that up to 60,000 parents a year are expected to avail of the additional time off.

HR group CIPD Ireland has said business need to be prepared for the change.

Director of CIPD Ireland, Mary Connaughton, said: ‘Businesses will be doing themselves a favour if they update and clarify their policy before they’re actually presented with a case to deal with.

It is estimated that up to 60,000 parents a year are expected to avail of the additional time off Pic:Shutterstock

‘We would urge them to act now and be clear – that way everyone will know where they stand’.

The Department of Justice has previously said parents who have already taken 18 weeks will still be entitled to an additional four.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: ‘Both mothers and fathers may apply for this leave which I anticipate may be of particular benefit to parents that wish to take the unpaid leave when their children will be returning to school in September.’